Canon 5DS R vs Panasonic LX10

The Canon EOS 5DS R and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 (labelled Panasonic LX15 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively,
in February 2015 and September 2016. The 5DS R is a DSLR, while the LX10 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a full frame (5DS R) and an one-inch (LX10) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 50.3 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 20 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 5DS R and the
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors,
their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Canon 5DS R vs Panasonic LX10

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 5DS R and the Panasonic LX10 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The LX10 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the 5DS R is
only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size,
the Panasonic LX10 is considerably smaller (64 percent) than the Canon 5DS R. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 5DS R is splash and dust resistant,
while the LX10 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the LX10 has a lens built in,
whereas the 5DS R is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the 5DS R and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 5DS R gets 700 shots out of its LP-E6 battery,
while the LX10 can take 260 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLH7 power pack. The power pack in the LX10 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left
arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and
make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The LX10 was launched at a lower price than the 5DS R, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison: Canon 5DS R vs Panasonic LX10

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 5DS R features a full frame sensor and the Panasonic LX10
an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the LX10 is 87 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.7. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2. The LX10 has the particularity of featuring a switch that allows to toggle between multiple aspect ratios,
while maintaining the same field of view and full image resolution.

With 50.3MP, the 5DS R offers a higher
resolution than the LX10 (20MP), but the 5DS R nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of
4.14μm versus 2.41μm for the LX10) due to its larger sensor. However, the LX10 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 7 months) than the 5DS R, and its sensor
might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the 5DS R has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Canon EOS 5DS R has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 50-12800.
The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 are ISO 125 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-25600.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

Camera Model

Sensor Class

Resolution (MP)

Horiz. Pixels

Vert. Pixels

Video Format

DXO Portrait

DXO Landscape

DXO Sports

DXO Overall

Camera Model

Canon 5DS R»

Full Frame

50.3

8688

5792

1080/30p

24.6

12.4

2308

86

Canon 5DS R

Panasonic LX10«

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

4K/30p

-

-

-

-

Panasonic LX10

Canon 1D X Mark II«»

Full Frame

20.0

5472

3648

4K/60p

24.1

13.5

3207

88

Canon 1D X Mark II

Canon 5D Mark IV«»

Full Frame

30.1

6720

4480

4K/30p

24.8

13.6

2995

91

Canon 5D Mark IV

Canon 5DS«»

Full Frame

50.3

8688

5792

1080/30p

24.7

12.4

2381

87

Canon 5DS

Canon G5 X«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

1080/60p

-

-

-

-

Canon G5 X

Canon G7 X«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

1080/60p

23.0

12.7

556

71

Canon G7 X

Canon 5D Mark III«»

Full Frame

22.1

5760

3840

1080/30p

24.0

11.7

2293

81

Canon 5D Mark III

Canon 6D«»

Full Frame

20.0

5472

3648

1080/30p

23.8

12.1

2340

82

Canon 6D

Canon 5D Mark II«»

Full Frame

21.0

5616

3744

1080/30p

23.7

11.9

1815

79

Canon 5D Mark II

Canon 5D«»

Full Frame

12.7

4368

2912

-

22.9

11.1

1368

71

Canon 5D

Nikon D850«»

Full Frame

45.4

8256

5504

4K/30p

26.4

14.8

2660

100

Nikon D850

Nikon D810«»

Full Frame

36.2

7360

4912

1080/60p

25.7

14.8

2853

97

Nikon D810

Panasonic ZS200«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

4K/30p

-

-

-

-

Panasonic ZS200

Panasonic ZS100«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

4K/30p

22.8

12.5

559

70

Panasonic ZS100

Sony A99 II«»

Full Frame

42.2

7952

5304

4K/30p

25.4

13.4

2317

92

Sony A99 II

Sony RX100 IV«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

4K/30p

22.8

12.6

591

70

Sony RX100 IV

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the LX10 provides a better video resolution than the 5DS R. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison: Canon 5DS R vs Panasonic LX10

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the 5DS R has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight.
In contrast, the LX10 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 5DS R and Panasonic LX10 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

Camera Model

Viewfinder (Type or '000 dots)

Control Panel (yes/no)

LCD Size (inch)

LCD Resolution ('000 dots)

LCD Attach- ment

Touch Screen (yes/no)

Mech Shutter Speed

Shutter Flaps (1/sec)

Built-in Flash (yes/no)

Built-in Image Stab

Camera Model

Canon 5DS R»

optical

Y

3.2

1040

fixed

n

1/8000s

5.0

n

n

Canon 5DS R

Panasonic LX10«

-

n

3.0

1040

tilting

Y

1/4000s

10.0

Y

Y

Panasonic LX10

Canon 1D X Mark II«»

optical

Y

3.2

1620

fixed

Y

1/8000s

16.0

n

n

Canon 1D X Mark II

Canon 5D Mark IV«»

optical

Y

3.2

1620

fixed

Y

1/8000s

7.0

n

n

Canon 5D Mark IV

Canon 5DS«»

optical

Y

3.2

1040

fixed

n

1/8000s

5.0

n

n

Canon 5DS

Canon G5 X«»

2360

n

3.0

1040

swivel

Y

1/2000s

5.9

Y

Y

Canon G5 X

Canon G7 X«»

-

n

3.0

1040

tilting

Y

1/2000s

6.5

Y

Y

Canon G7 X

Canon 5D Mark III«»

optical

Y

3.2

1040

fixed

n

1/8000s

6.0

n

n

Canon 5D Mark III

Canon 6D«»

optical

Y

3.0

1040

fixed

n

1/4000s

4.5

n

n

Canon 6D

Canon 5D Mark II«»

optical

Y

3.0

920

fixed

n

1/8000s

3.9

n

n

Canon 5D Mark II

Canon 5D«»

optical

Y

2.5

230

fixed

n

1/8000s

3.0

n

n

Canon 5D

Nikon D850«»

optical

Y

3.2

2359

tilting

Y

1/8000s

9.0

n

n

Nikon D850

Nikon D810«»

optical

Y

3.2

1229

fixed

n

1/8000s

5.0

Y

n

Nikon D810

Panasonic ZS200«»

2330

n

3.0

1240

fixed

Y

1/2000s

10.0

Y

Y

Panasonic ZS200

Panasonic ZS100«»

1166

n

3.0

1040

fixed

Y

1/2000s

10.0

Y

Y

Panasonic ZS100

Sony A99 II«»

2400

Y

3.0

1229

full-flex

n

1/8000s

12.0

n

Y

Sony A99 II

Sony RX100 IV«»

2359

n

3.0

1228

tilting

n

1/2000s

16.0

Y

Y

Sony RX100 IV

One feature that is present on the 5DS R, but is missing on the LX10 is a top-level LCD.
While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The LX10 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by
vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the 5DS R does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while
others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the LX10 is one of those camera that have an additional
electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or
shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Canon 5DS R and the Panasonic LX10 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to
capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The 5DS R writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDXC cards, while the LX10 uses SDXC cards. The 5DS R features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the LX10
only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison: Canon 5DS R vs Panasonic LX10

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 5DS R and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

Camera Model

Hotshoe Port

Internal Microphone

Internal Speaker

Microphone Port

Headphone Port

HDMI Port

USB Type

WiFi Support

NFC Support

Bluetooth Support

Camera Model

Canon 5DS R»

Y

mono

mono

Y

-

mini

3.0

-

-

-

Canon 5DS R

Panasonic LX10«

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Panasonic LX10

Canon 1D X Mark II«»

Y

mono

mono

Y

Y

mini

3.0

-

-

-

Canon 1D X Mark II

Canon 5D Mark IV«»

Y

mono

mono

Y

Y

mini

3.0

Y

Y

-

Canon 5D Mark IV

Canon 5DS«»

Y

mono

mono

Y

-

mini

3.0

-

-

-

Canon 5DS

Canon G5 X«»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

Y

Y

-

Canon G5 X

Canon G7 X«»

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Canon G7 X

Canon 5D Mark III«»

Y

mono

mono

Y

Y

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Canon 5D Mark III

Canon 6D«»

Y

mono

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

Y

-

-

Canon 6D

Canon 5D Mark II«»

Y

mono

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Canon 5D Mark II

Canon 5D«»

Y

-

-

-

-

-

2.0

-

-

-

Canon 5D

Nikon D850«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

mini

3.0

Y

Y

Y

Nikon D850

Nikon D810«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

mini

3.0

Y

-

-

Nikon D810

Panasonic ZS200«»

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Panasonic ZS200

Panasonic ZS100«»

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Panasonic ZS100

Sony A99 II«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

micro

2.0

Y

Y

Y

Sony A99 II

Sony RX100 IV«»

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Sony RX100 IV

It is notable that the 5DS R has a hotshoe, while the LX10 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily
attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 5DS R (unlike the LX10) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights
can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 5DS R and the LX10 are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The LX10 replaced the earlier Panasonic LX7, while the 5DS R does not have a direct predecessor. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official
Canon and Panasonic websites.

Review summary: Canon 5DS R vs Panasonic LX10

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 5DS R or the Panasonic LX10 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.

Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the 5DS R requires a separate lens.

More compact: Is smaller (106x60mm vs 152x116mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.

Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the 5DS R).

Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.

Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.

Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.

Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.

More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.

More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 7 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the 5DS R emerges as the winner of the contest (19 : 16 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges
from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera
is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

5DS R 19:16 LX10

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 5DS R and the Panasonic LX10 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest
Best DSLR Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 5DS R and the LX10 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews: Canon 5DS R vs Panasonic LX10

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge,
reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.